Los Angeles daily herald., 1887-08-07
DOING GOOD WORK.
Y. M. G. AS Proposed
Building.
STRANG GERS ENTERTAINED.
How Meetings are Held for the
Purpose Of Becoming
Acquainted.

of the Young Mems Christian Asso
citation. A sign suspends from one o.
the lower windows, bearing the name
of the society in large gold letters
which seems as guide to strangers
The house is two-story frame build
ing, access to which is gained by
mounting high stoop. The doors
are always thrown open as if inviting
the stranger to enter. Inside are
three rooms-a parlor, library and
secretary's office. The parlor is
we'll furnished, and has very
cozy home-like appearance. The
library is fully equipped with
tables, chairs, books, papers and peri
odicals of all kinds. The Secretary s
office is comfortable little room,
which opens onto the porch. The
associatiation performs vast amount
of work each year. Each day between
sixty and seventy visitors inscribe
their names upon the register and are
entertained by the genial Secretary,
who does all in his power to make the
visitors as comfortable as possible.
The library is well patronized, and
already many of the volumes upon
the shelves look as though they had
been read as often as they have
leaves. Each evening the rooms are
well filled with callers, who spend
their time playing chess, checkers or
in reading.
The young man who comes to town
without having any friends is thus af-
forded place to spend his evenings
if it were not for which he would in
all probability seek some less congen-
ial and far more sinful. Seated in the
library at most all times of the day
are to be found young men in all sta
tions of life from the bankers son
down to the poor unfortunate cast
away. No better place can be found
to study human nature. Receptions
are occasionally given by the lady
members of the association for the
purpose of having the members be-
come more intimately acquainted. Not
well acquainted thai they inter-marry
as was the case few
months ago, when Messrs. A. b.
Clapp, August Hackerbarth, II. A.
Getz and George A. Haskell, members
of the institution, concluded that it is
mot good for man to be alone," and
accordingly took wives unto them
selves, two of the ladies being men,
bers of the Ladies' Auxiliary. The
latter institution is great help to the
society. Since last October the men,
bership has increased partly through
their efforts from sixty-seven to over
200. They are the general schemers by
which the funds of the society are
constantly increased. They give
periodical entertainments, which are
generally well attended. The young
men have an orchestra of eighteen
pieces, which meets for practice each
week. They play at the prayer meet
ings on Sunday, and lend music
on all occasions when neces-
sary. The society also has a
standing committee, whose duty
it is to visit the sick. These duties
are rather arduous, for there is no one
who has become ill while in our city,
and who is in need, that they do not
visit and alleviate his wants as far as
possible. BY the gentle touch OF kind
ness they strive to relieve the pain,
and when night and darkness-the
dread of the invalid-puts in an ap-
pearance some member of the COM
mittee usually sits by his bedside and
attends to his wants. As far as the
funds of the organization will permit
no one is allowed to suffer for care, at
tention, or the necessaries of life.
MANY a charitable act is done by the
society and its individual members
which never finds its way into the
papers, or in fact is ever made known.
NEW QUARTER.
For a long time past it has been
realized that the associations business
was increasing to such an extent that
more roomy quarters would have to
be found. Lack of funds proved the
only drawback, but time removed this
obstacle. Many of our wealthy citi-
zens came forward with liberal dona-
tions and the desired change proved
certainty. As an evidence of the in
terest taken in the building fund it
need only be stated that the secretary
is constantly in receipt of letters ask
ing for information on the subjtct, not
uncommonly accompanied by checks
for small amounts. 1t is no
uncommon thing for some one to drop
in at the rooms, quietly ask few
questions about the work, and then
hand in subscription. The one pre-
vailing sentiment among those who
have any interest in the movement is
that such building is needed. A
few months ago contract was signed
for the purchase of lot on Fort street
near Second, 70x100 feet. Last week
the work of excavation was COM
menced, and in a very short time the
erection of a structure will be COM
menced. The proposed building is to
cover the whole lot, with the excep-
ton of such space as may be neces-
sary for light and ventilation.
1t will have very attract
i've front and will be four stories
i'm height, and will cost fully $780,
600. including the price OF the lot.
When completed it will be the finest
structure OF its kind in this State. 1t
will have libraries, parlors, assembly
hall. and offices. A large swimming
bath, 12x4O feet will be supplied for
the benefit of the subscribers. The
top floors will be fitted up as rooms,
which will be rented to young men at
a nominal rental. 1t is not proposed
to charge any more rent for these than
will actually pay the expense OF fur
nishing, etc. :,
The financial condition of the build
ing fund is now as follows: Pledged
and promised, conditional and uncon-
ditional, $56, 300. Paid in about $20l,,,
600, Of which one-half has been PAID
on the new lot, and one-half on the
original lot facing on Second street.
Ali or part of the latter will probably
be sold. Fifty thousand dollars more
will be required to finish the building,